Published date 04-11-2024

Letter from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are now halfway through the autumn term, and here comes an update from me about what is happening in school. In the previous principal’s letter, I mentioned several changes and new routines for this academic year, aimed at improving a calm and safe learning environment for our students - examples include: a new section for grades 4-5, new routines and more resources for student health and our two learning studios, more continuity for classes, teachers, and parents, as well as new routines for removal from the classroom due to disruptive behavior.

We are pleased to announce that we can see a clear improvement at the school in terms of both safety and a calm learning environment. We see less running and other disturbances in the hallways, we see calmer lessons overall, and we observe fewer incidents compared to previous years. Of course, we will continue our work to evaluate, adjust, prevent, and, in the long term, also implement other innovations to keep developing and strengthening the school.

Preventive Work
Many preventative efforts continue annually at the school, partly within our Mentor Program, where students work with mentors on topics like democracy, tolerance, positive behavior, and leadership, and partly through student health services, where health discussions with the school nurse, study visits, and guest speakers are some examples. A new element this year is that the school leadership team is holding lessons with all classes throughout the school year to address topics and subjects that aren’t graded but are important for students’ personal and group development. Another new feature this year is our ‘Student Prefects’ from grade 9, selected for their leadership qualities, who participate in and lead various activities and events at the school.

The societal development with increased crime and violence is a major challenge for all schools today. For that reason, the school will also undertake an initiative this year, together with the IES headquarters, to strengthen both students and teachers in preventive work against threats, violence, and crime shortly.

AI in School
Our teachers recently spent a day with colleagues from IES Liljeholmen, where the focus was on AI in schools and classrooms - how can schools use AI to improve the quality of teaching and learning, and what challenges must everyone in schools be prepared to face?

Our teachers will follow a training program over the coming year, focusing on both using AI in the best possible way in schools and being aware of the ethical risks that the new technology brings. Some students and teachers have already started using AI tools, while for others, this is just beginning. No one can say for sure today how much schools will change with AI. But we can be certain that change is coming. The best we can do is try to stay one step ahead together with our students.

Other
Grade 9 has just completed this year’s Cambridge exams (IGCSE) in English and Mathematics, and soon our grade 8 students will begin preparing for next year’s exams. Having lessons and then taking the IGCSE exams is a fantastic opportunity our students have, as IES Årsta is a Cambridge International School.

Our clubs are in full swing with fun and exciting activities for the students after school. We currently have: the School Orchestra, the Choir, the Cricket Club, the Role-playing Club (‘Quest Club’) and the Volleyball Club. Soon a Dart Club as well as a Chess Club will be starting. All activities are available free of charge for our students.

After the autumn break, the oral national exams in English, Math, and Swedish will begin for grades 6 and 9. The students have already started and will continue with preparations in their respective lessons to be ready for the exam.

I hope to see you at the school on November 6th for the “Meet the Teachers Evening.” As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have thoughts or questions.

I wish you all a wonderful autumn!

Kind regards,

Mr Gellerstedt